Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated annually for over 20 years with a program by a local Dallas women’s organization, Women’s Issues Network (WIN). Formed in 1980, WIN has continuously worked for women’s rights and equality. The group celebrated the 96th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment allowing women the right to vote with an event at Dallas City Hall on August 24.
The keynote speaker was Debbie Branson, former Chair of Parkland’s Board of Managers and the 87th Linz Award recipient.
“We, as women, have not only the opportunity, but the responsibility, to add our viewpoints, our wisdom, and our voices to make our communities, our states, and our country better,” said Debbie.
“That starts with each of us exercising our right to vote. If women don’t participate, we leave half of the available intelligence and experience out of the decision making process – and who we elect makes a difference,” she said.
Over 150 women attended wearing white to represent the women suffragists who campaigned for women’s voting rights. Mayor Rawlings sported a white jacket, and other Council members wore white.
Elected officials showing their support included Councilmembers Jennifer Staubach Gates, and Sandy Greyson, Tiffinni Young and Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo.
“So I wore white, as many of you did, to honor those brave, tenacious, dedicated, and incredibly talented women who fought for the right to vote,” said Debbie. “But it’s a good thing this anniversary falls before Labor Day because it would surely be reported if we broke any fashion rules.”
Although women's voting rights are taken for granted today, they were earned through a long brutal campaign by women that began in the 1700's and culminated nearly 150 years later when the 19th Amendment was passed on August 26, 1920.
Until the passage of the Amendment, women were not allowed the right to own property, to have legal claim to the money they earned, nor the right to vote. Clothes, jewelry, and land were owned by their husbands or fathers. Bibles were one of their few possessions that they could hand down to their children.
The event was chaired by Betty Richie and Jo Ann Jenkins. Jana Barker is the President of WIN.
Co-sponsors of the Women’s Equality Day event included Dallas Women’s Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Jane’s Due Process, Junior League of Dallas, League of Women Voters of Dallas, NARAL Pro-choice Texas, National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas, National Organization of Women N. Dallas Chapter, League of Women Voters of Collin County, Peacemakers, Inc., Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, S.E. Dallas Business & Professional Women’s Club, Temple Shalom, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Inc., The Afiya Center, United Nations Association—Dallas Chapter, Women’s Issues Network.